Easy Knit Handbag

If you're not careful it's easy to become obsessed with knitting bags! Not that that's a bad thing. This Easy Knit Handbag is the perfect project for beginners who are ready to try knitting more than just scarves. Knit with straight knitting needles, this pattern uses the stockinette stitch and garter stitch to create  texture. I love easy knitting patterns that are practical, stylish and fun to make! This free knit bag pattern is really cute you'll want to make it right away.

Materials:
100grm  Ribbon type yarn
100grm Double knitting type yarn
Size 4mm needles or size to obtain gauge
Two Handles
1 piece of cardboard 4inches wide x 10inches long for bottom of bag.


Gauge - Two yarns knit together
26 sts = 4”; 24 rows = 4” in Pat St
TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE


Note
The base of the bag is double thickness with cardboard in between.


Bag Front


With 4mm needles and both yarns together cast on 24 stitches and work 10 rows Stockinette stitch ( rightside row knit, wrongside row purl).


Next cast on 10 sts at begining of next two rows  -44sts


Pattern
Work 8 rows garter stitch ( every row knit)
Next work 10 rows Stockinette stitch
 Repeat these 18 rows three times then a further 8 rows garter stitch.
Cast off.


Bag Back
Work same as the front.
Base/Side Strip
Cast on 30 sts and work in garter st for 24 inches. 
Cast off.

In the same maner make a second strip 10 inches long.


FINISHING
Lay the 10 inche strip on top of the 24 inch strip centering the shorter strip. Sew both long edges leaving the narrow edges open, this forms a pocket on each side and a double base. Insert cardboard between the 2 strips before completing the second edge and tack strips tog at bottom of pockets to hold cardboard in place. Sew one long edge to the front and one long edge to the back sections.
Place one handle at the cast on edge of thr front of bag, Fold cast on edge over to secure handle and sew in place. Repeat for bag back. Line if desired.




The secret of the knitted bag is choosing the correct yarn then adding your own little twist. Have a go and let your creative juices flow!